Title: She Went All the Way
Author: Meg Cabot
First published December 3, 2002
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780061340246 (ISBN10: 0061340243)
Rating: 3.7
Overview
When Lou Calabrese finds herself stuck on a plane with her ex’s new flame and her celebrity crush, Jack Townsend, things get awkward fast. But when their plane crashes on a deserted island and their pilot goes missing, things go from bad to worse.
Now, stranded in the middle of nowhere with only each other to rely on, Lou and Jack must put aside their differences and work together to survive. With nothing but their wits and a few survival skills, can they make it back home in one piece?
Or will they succumb to the elements and their growing attraction to each other? Find out in Meg Cabot’s thrilling adventure, She Went All the Way.
About the Author
Meg Cabot, also known as Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series) and Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels), was born on February 1, 1967, in the year of the Fire Horse, which is considered unlucky in Chinese astrology. Despite this belief, Meg had a happy childhood in Bloomington, Indiana, where people were not aware of the superstition.
However, as a teenager, Meg struggled with freshman Algebra and even cut her own bangs. She spent six years as an undergraduate at Indiana University before moving to New York City to pursue a career in illustration, which did not go as planned.
This led her to find comfort in writing novels, which eventually became her career.
Meg has written almost fifty books for both adults and teens, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide. Her books have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, including The Princess Diaries series, which has been published in over 38 countries and adapted into two Disney movies.
Meg is also the author of the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series, two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy’s Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Currently, Meg is writing a new children’s series called Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls, and her new paranormal series, Abandon, will debut in the Summer of 2011. She divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City, where she lives with her husband, a primary cat named Henrietta, and various backup cats.
It’s a secret that Meg is a fire horse, so don’t tell her husband.
Editoral Review
Meg Cabot’s 2002 romantic comedy, She Went All the Way, is a delightful romp that will transport readers to a world of adventure and romance. Cabot, known for her popular young adult series The Princess Diaries, delivers a hilarious and charming story that is perfect for contemporary romance fans.
The novel follows Lou Calabrese, a struggling screenwriter who is suddenly swept up into an unexpected adventure when she meets handsome and arrogant actor Jack Townsend. After a drunken night in Las Vegas, the two find themselves on the run from bad guys in the jungle of South America.
As they navigate their perilous adventure, Lou and Jack begin to discover deeper feelings for each other, but their own insecurities and emotional baggage threaten to get in the way. Cabot’s writing style is fast-paced and humorous, with witty banter and hilarious misunderstandings between Lou and Jack that will keep readers hooked.
Despite the lighthearted tone, Cabot explores some deeper themes, such as the challenges of communication in relationships, the importance of self-acceptance, and the power of forgiveness. The setting of the story, the lush jungles of South America, is vividly described and adds an exciting sense of danger and adventure to the story.
One of the strengths of the book is the character development of Lou and Jack. Both characters are flawed and complex, and Cabot does an excellent job of showing their growth throughout the story.
Lou, who initially seems timid and unsure of herself, learns to trust her own instincts and stand up for herself. Jack, who is initially arrogant and closed-off, learns to let himself be vulnerable and to value relationships over his own pride.
The romance between Lou and Jack is also engaging, as their chemistry and tension build throughout the story. One potential weakness of the book is that the plot can be predictable at times.
The set-up of two unlikely characters thrown together on an adventure is a classic romantic comedy trope, and some readers may find the twists and turns of the story too familiar. However, Cabot’s writing style and characters more than make up for any predictability in the story.
Ultimately, She Went All the Way is a fun and entertaining read that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages. It is perfect for fans of romantic comedies and anyone who loves a good adventure story with a satisfying happy ending.
Cabot’s writing is engaging and humorous, and the characters and themes of the story are relatable and heartfelt. Overall, I highly recommend She Went All the Way for anyone looking for a light and enjoyable read.
It is a testament to Meg Cabot’s talent as a writer and a reminder of why she remains one of the most popular authors in the genre today. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
